The group celebrated women’s contribution to the industry from March 3-9 during its Women in Construction Week, where an emphasis on education and opportunities for women were thrust into the spotlight.
“Construction has less than 9% of women working in the industry, in the actual trades, it is only 3%. What better way to educate women that construction is a viable career than through NAWIC,” said Dove Sifers-Putman, CBT, the president of NAWIC in a statement. “NAWIC is an organization of women for women. It builds leaders by offering education, leadership, and professional development at the chapter, regional and national level to all women in the construction industry!"
The week serves to both highlight women as a component of the industry and provides an opportunity for local chapters to contribute to their communities, according to NAWIC. The organization boasts thousands of members participating during the week’s events.
“WIC Week is a time to help promote women in the industry and help make the community aware that women can have a career in construction,” added Sifers-Putman.
BLS: Sales and Office Top Spots for Women in Construction
The number of women in the construction industry was 939,000 as 2017 began, with 423,000 of those women in sales and office positions, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of the total, 21% work in “natural resources, construction and maintenance.”
Overall, the break down shows:
- Sales & Office: 423,000 (45%)
- Professional & Management: 293,000 (31%)
- Natural Resources, Construction & Maintenance: 196,000 (21%)
- Service Occupations: 14,000 (1.5%)
- Production, Transportation & Material Moving: 13,000 (1.4%)
Professional Women in Construction Launches New Boston Chapter
The newest chapter of the Professional Women in Construction (PWC) announced its Boston board of directors.
"The PWC Boston board of directors is thrilled to announce the formation of a new PWC chapter in Massachusetts. Much of 2018 has been spent establishing our goals, recruiting committee members, and launching with our first three events. We believe that 2019 is primed for relevant programming that speaks to the nature of AEC business in Boston,” said Diana Nicklaus, president and CEO of saam architecture and the new chapter president. “The Board looks forward to continuing the growth of our membership and becoming a known entity and preferred resource in the Boston market in 2019.”
Members include:
- Diana Nicklaus, President
- Sara Bryant, Vice President
- Sarah McGillicuddy, Vice President
- Ben Sawa, Treasurer
- Rachel Woodhouse, Moderator
- Chelsea Christenson, Director
- Caroline Fitzgerald, Director
- Emily Hopps, Director
- Deborah Myers, Director
- Susan Wisler, Director
- Shelley Vanderweil, Director